Community support brings state-of-the-art 4K projection to Historic Tivoli Theatre in Spencer

After months of determination, community support, and grassroots fundraising, the Historic Tivoli Theatre is proud to announce the successful installation of a new state-of-the-art 4K laser projection system, marking a major investment in the future of moviegoing in Owen County.

The journey began in December 2025, when the Tivoli’s aging digital projection system began experiencing intermittent technical failures, including color distortion, image instability, and unexpected interruptions during screenings. While temporary repairs allowed the theatre to remain open, it became increasingly clear that the projector had reached the end of its reliable service life.

Rather than waiting for a complete failure, the Historic Tivoli Theatre launched its “Projecting Better Days” fundraising campaign to ensure the community could continue enjoying high-quality films and events for years to come.

On June 22, 2026, that vision became a reality when the new 4K laser projection system was installed.

Through grassroots fundraising efforts, grant funding, and the extraordinary generosity of a benefactor who helped close the remaining funding gap, the campaign raised an incredible $103,956.01.

The success of the campaign allowed the Tivoli to do far more than simply replace its projector. Thanks to the generosity of the community, the theatre was also able to invest in several critical upgrades that will enhance the moviegoing experience and improve long-term reliability. These improvements include:

• Installation of a new 4K laser projection system;
• A new projection computer to support the upgraded system;
• Two new amplifiers to power the main left and right speakers and the subwoofers;
• An upgraded 4k compatible HDMI board for the AP20 audio processor;
• A new 4K DVD/Blu-ray player for repertory films, classic movie programming, and private rentals.

Together, these improvements modernize the Tivoli’s presentation systems while preserving the charm and history of one of our treasured historic theatres.

“This project represents what can happen when a community believes in preserving something special,” said Andrea White, Director of the Historic Tivoli Theatre. “Every donation, every grant, every word of encouragement, and every person who shared our campaign played a role in making this possible. This isn’t just a new projector, it’s an investment in the future of the Tivoli and the countless memories that will be made here for generations to come.”

The Historic Tivoli Theatre extends its sincere gratitude to every individual, family, business, organization, and foundation that supported Projecting Better Days. Whether through a financial gift, grant award, fundraising event, or simply sharing the campaign with others, every contribution helped make this project a success.

The Tivoli would like to recognize the following partners and donors whose generosity made these improvements possible:

• The Cook Group
• Steve Withem
• Joyce Cathell
• Ed & Diana Curry
• Spencer Exchange Club
• Tony Neff Family
• Withem Donor Advised Fund
• David Friedel & Ann Mahrdt
• Cluce
• Wally & Kathy DeFord
• Insurance Services
• Sons of the American Legion
• Owen County Community Foundation (grant funding)
• Owen County Preservations
• Owen County Theatre & Arts Alliance – Community Choir
• Amanda Knight
• Bethany Harriman
• Clifton, Jr. and Janna Hocker
• Devota Sheffield
• Elizabeth Wheby
• Jo Kimmel
• Kent Messmacher
• Mark & Diane Riggins
• McKay Gifts (Kevin McKay)
• Michele Kelmer
• Michelle David
• Stephanie Warner
• Pip Chamberlien
• Susan Easton
• Tiffany Morgan
• Karen Elbin
• Joyce Smidley
• Stanley Griffith
• Freedman Family
• Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund
• Pavich Family
• Gary & Kim Brandt
• Tatum Dyar
• Les & Deb Jordan
• Laura Brinson
• Beth Guerrettaz & Family
• Ethan Payne
• Spencer Elementary School Student Council

Because of this incredible support, every guest who walks through the Tivoli’s doors will experience brighter images, richer colors, improved sound, and greater reliability for years to come.

As the Historic Tivoli Theatre approaches its 100th anniversary, this milestone ensures that the magic of the movies will continue to inspire, entertain, and bring the community together for generations to come.

About the Historic Tivoli Theatre

Owned and operated by Owen County Preservations, Inc., the Historic Tivoli Theatre has served Spencer and Owen County as a center for entertainment, education, and community gathering for nearly a century. Through first-run films, classic movies, live performances, educational programming, and community events the Tivoli continues its mission of preserving history while creating new memories for future generations.